New Work
New Work
Information Questions
Practice Dialogue
Practice Dialogue
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Master English Questioning Techniques
By Kenneth Beare
Here's a short dialogue giving an example of personal questions. You can use these questions to practice
with a friend or a classmate, using your own information.
General Questions
General questions are questions we ask to help us start a conversation or keep the conversation going. Here
are some common general questions:
Practice Dialogue
Shopping
Here are some common questions that will help you when you go shopping.
Practice Dialogue
What do you like? Use this question to ask about hobbies, likes, and dislikes in general.
What does he look like?Ask this question to learn about the physical characteristics of a person.
What would you like? Ask this question to find out what someone wants at the moment of speaking.
What is she like? Ask this question to learn about a person's character.
Practice Dialogue
Once you understand these questions, try testing your knowledge by taking this Understanding Basic
Questions in English quiz.
There are three types of questions in English: direct, indirect, and question tags. Direct and indirect
questions are used to ask for information you do not know, while question tags are generally used to clarify
or confirm the information you think you know.
Each of these three question types can be used politely, but certain indirect forms are more formal and
polite than other types of questions. One form to avoid when asking for things is the imperative form. Saying
"Give me that" (imperative) instead of "Could you give me that" (indirect) puts you at risk of sounding rude.
To learn more about how to ask polite questions, and use each form correctly, check out the overview below.
Construction
Direct questions place the helping verb before the subject of the question:
There is nothing wrong with asking questions in this manner, but to sound more polite, it's very common to
add "excuse me" or "pardon me" at the beginning of a question. For example:
In informal situations, one could use the word "can" in a direct sentence. In the United States, "can" is
considered to be incorrect for written English in particular because, in the past, it was not a word used when
asking for something. Saying "May I have" instead of "Can I have" is preferred in the U.S. In the United
Kingdom, the word is not frowned upon. Cambridge University publishes English teaching materials with
the phrase "Can you lend me," "Can I have," etc.
READ MORE
Master English Questioning Techniques
By Kenneth Beare
In both countries, questions with "can" are made more polite by using "could:"
"May" is used as a formal means to ask for permission and is very polite. It is usually used with "I," and
sometimes "we."
Construction
Indirect questions always begin with an introductory phrase and unlike direct questions, they do not invert
the subject. To form an indirect question, use an introductory phrase followed by question words for
information questions, and "if" or "whether" for yes/no questions.
NOTE: If you are asking a "yes-no" question, use "if" to connect the introductory phrase with the actual
question statement.
Otherwise, use a question word "where, when, why, or how" to connect the two phrases.
Construction
We can understand question tags as having two parts separated by a comma. The first part uses the subject
followed by a helping verb as used in direct questions ("Has she"). The second part uses the opposite form of
the helping verb followed by the same subject ("Hasn't she").
Subject + Helping verb + Objects + , + Opposite Helping Verb + Subject?
Answers
1. where
2. will
3. if/whether
4. Excuse/Pardon
5. could/would
6. has
7. May
8. when / what time
sking for permission to do something takes many different forms. Perhaps you need to get permission to do
something at work, or perhaps you need to ask a friend for permission to use one of her possessions, or
maybe you need to ask the teacher if you can leave room for a moment or two. Remember to
use polite forms when asking for permission to do something or use an object as you are asking a favor of
that person.
NOTE: The use of "Can I do something?" is very informal, and considered incorrect by many. However, it is
used in everyday informal speech and for that reason has been included.
May I + verb
NOTE: Traditionally, the use of "May I do something?" has been used for asking permission. In modern
society, this form has become a little more formal and is often replaced with other forms such as "Can I..."
and "Could I ..." Many argue that "Can I ..." is incorrect because it refers to ability. However, this form is
quite common in everyday, spoken situations.
READ MORE
Master Asking for Information in English
By Kenneth Beare
Sure.
No problem.
Go right ahead.
Please feel free + infinitive
When denying permission, people will sometimes instead offer to help in other ways, using the words "how
about" and "instead" to offer alternatives.
I'm afraid I can't let you borrow my car, but I could drive you instead.
I can't babysit your daughter. How about I call my sitter for you instead?
I wish I could help out; maybe another time.
This example shows a father telling his son that he can't go out because of his recent academic performance.
Practice Situations
Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice asking for permission, as well as giving and denying
permission as shown in the examples. Make sure to vary the language you use when practicing rather than
using the same phrase over and over again.
Once English students can spell and count, they can also begin giving personal information such as their
address and telephone number. This activity also helps students learn to answer common personal
information questions that may be asked in job interviews or when filling out forms.
READ MORE
English Practice: Personal Info Dialogues
By Kenneth Beare
Practice personal information questions by using this simple technique to help students both answer and
ask questions.Begin by asking for a student's telephone number. Once you've begin, ask the student to
continue by asking another student. Before you begin, model the target question and answer:
Next, have students participate by asking one of your best students about their phone number. Instruct that
student to ask another student. Continue until all students have asked and answered.
Once students are comfortable giving their telephone number, they should focus on their address. This
might cause a problem due to the pronunciation of street names. Before you begin, write an address on the
board. Ask students to write their own addresses on a piece of paper. Go around the room and help students
with individual pronunciation issues so they feel more comfortable before beginning the exercise. Once
again, begin by modeling the correct question and response:
Once students have understood. Begin by asking one of your stronger students. They should then ask
another student and so on.
This is just one lesson of a series of absolute beginner lessons. More advanced students can practice
speaking on the telephone with these dialogues. You can also help students by going over basic numbers in
English during the lesson.
3. Whose is this?
It's Tom's.
It's my.
No, it isn't.
Greetings are used to say hello in English. It's common to use different greetings depending on whether you
greet a friend, family or a business associate. When you meet friends, use informal greetings. If it's really
important, use formal greetings. Formal greetings are also used with people you do not know very well.
Greetings also depend on whether you are saying hello, or you are saying goodbye. Learn the correct phrases
using the notes below, and then practice using greetings with the practice dialogues.
It's important to note that the question How are you? or What's up? doesn't necessarily need a response. If
you do respond, these phrases are generally expected:
What's up?
Not much.
I'm just (watching TV, hanging out, cooking dinner, etc.)
READ MORE
Master English Greetings: Hello to Goodbye
By Kenneth Beare
Here are some short example conversations for you to practice greetings in English. Find a partner to
practice and take a role. Next, switch roles. Finally, make up your own conversations.
***
Notes
Greeting someone when you are introduced.
Once you have been introduced to someone, the next time you see that person it is important to greet them.
We also greet people as we leave people. In English (as in all languages), there are different ways to greet
people in formal and informal situations.
The question 'How do you do' is only a formality. In other words, the question does not need to be answered.
Rather, it is a standard phrase used when meeting some for the first time.
Tom: Peter, I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith this is Peter Thompson.
Peter: How do you do?
Mr. Smith: How do you do?
Use these phrases to say that you are happy to meet someone when introduced for the first time.
Once you have met someone, it's common to use standard greetings such as 'Good Morning', 'How are you?'
and 'Hello'.
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Basic Conversations for English Language Learners
Introduction
By
Kenneth Beare
Learning introductions in English and how to introduce yourself is an essential part of making small talk at
parties or other social events. Introductory phrases are different than the ones we use to greet friends, but
they're often used together as parts of the broader conversation, as you'll see.
Introducing Yourself in English
In this example, Peter and Jane are meeting for the first time at a social event. After greeting each other,
they begin by asking simple personal questions. Working with a friend or classmate, take turns practicing
this role-play.
Peter: Hello.
Jane: Hi!
Peter: My name is Peter. What's your name?
Jane: My name is Jane. Nice to meet you.
Peter: It's a pleasure. This is a great party!
Jane: Yes, it is. Where are you from?
Peter: I'm from Amsterdam.
Jane: Amsterdam? Are you German?
Peter: No, I'm not German. I'm Dutch.
Jane: Oh, you're Dutch. Sorry about that.
Peter: That's OK. Where are you from?
Jane: I'm from London, but I'm not British.
Peter: No, what are you?
Jane: Well, my parents were Spanish, so I'm Spanish, too.
READ MORE
By Kenneth Beare
My name is...
Where are you from?
I'm from... (city, state, or country)
Are you... (Spanish, American, German, etc.)
Introductions can occur between more than two people, for example at a party or at a business meeting.
When you meet someone for the first time, it is common to greet them by saying, "It's a pleasure to meet
you," or "Pleased to meet you." It is polite to respond by repeating the statement back at them, as Mary does
in this example:
A simple greeting followed by asking about the other person is all that is needed to begin an introduction. In
this brief scenario, two people have just met:
Once you're finished speaking with someone, it's customary to say goodbye as you both part, as in this
example:
Sponsored Stories
Introduction
By
Kenneth Beare
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word for these formal and informal greetings.
1. Saul: "I'd like to __________ you to Mary. Mary this is Helen." Helen: "How do you __________."
point...do
introduce...do
show...go
give...be
2. Helen: "It's __________ to meet you." Mary: "It's my __________."
nice...pleasure
good...pleasure
great...pleasure
All of the answers are correct
3. Jason: "I'm going home now. See you __________." Paul: "__________!"
tomorrow...later
later...later
soon...sounds good!
All of the answers are correct
4. Ron: "Hey Jack. What's __________?" Jack: "Not much. I'm __________ watching TV."
on...trying
home...sitting
going...not
up...just
5. Hey there, Joe, What's __________?
going on
in the way
on
Expressing numbers in English can be confusing to both students and those listening. Make sure you
understand how to express numbers in spoken English by following these rules.
Below you will find numbers written out with tips to help students learn the correct grouping in English.
Generally speaking, numbers larger than nine should always be expressed by numbers in written English,
while numbers under 10 should be written out:
7: seven
19: nineteen
32: thirty-two
89: eighty-nine
Say numbers in the hundreds by beginning with numerals one through nine followed by "hundred". Finish
by saying the last two digits:
Keep in mind British English takes "and" following "hundred." American English omits "and:"
READ MORE
Master Basic English Numbers for ESL Beginners
By Kenneth Beare
For millions, say a number up to 999 followed by "million." Finish by saying first the thousands and then the
hundreds when applicable:
For even larger numbers, first use billions and then trillions in a similar manner to millions:
23,870,550,000: twenty-three billion eight hundred seventy million five hundred fifty thousand
12,600,450,345,000: twelve trillion six hundred billion four hundred fifty million three hundred
forty-five thousand
Large numbers are often rounded to the next biggest or next smallest number to make things easier. For
example, 348,987,650 can be rounded to 350,000,000.
3/8: three-eighths
5/16: five-sixteenths
7/8: seven-eighths
1/32: one thirty-second
Read numbers together with fractions by first stating the number followed by "and" and then the fraction:
Speed: 100 mph (miles per hour). Read speed as numbers: One hundred miles per hour
Weight: 42 lb. (pounds). Read weight as numbers: forty-two pounds
Telephone numbers: 212-555-1212. Read telephone numbers in individual numbers: two one
two five five five one two one two
Dates: 12/04/65. Read dates month, day, year in the U.S.: December fourth, nineteen sixty-five
Temperature: 72° F (Fahrenheit). Read temperature as "degrees +number": seventy-two degrees
Fahrenheit
Height: 6'2''. Read height in feet and then inches: six feet two inches
Score: 2-1. Read scores as "number + to + number": Two to one
If the amount includes cents, express the dollar amount first, followed by the cents:
Native speakers often just say the dollar number and then the cents number and drop "dollars" and "cents":
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are used when speaking about the day of the month, or a position in a group. Most
numbers end in 'th', except "first", "second", and "third" of every ten numbers:
1st first
2nd second
3rd third
5th fifth
8th eighth
17th seventeenth
21st twenty-first
46th forty-sixth
100th one-hundredth
1000t one thousandth
h
Here's how to say ordinal numbers and situations in which you would commonly use them:
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Basic Conversations for English Language Learners
Introduction
By
Kenneth Beare
Use this role play to practice telling the time. Make sure you know how to use the twelve-hour clock to speak
about times in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. Use the preposition "at" to speak about
specific times.
Key Vocabulary Related to Telling Time
READ MORE
By Kenneth Beare
Practice Dialogue
Jane: Could you tell me the time, please?
Steve: Certainly. It's 3 P.M.
Jane: That late? I thought it was early afternoon still.
Steve: Time flies when you are busy. Did you enjoy your morning?
Jane: I did, but now I have to rush in order to get home before dusk.
Steve: Have a good evening. See you back here tomorrow bright and early!
Jane: Yes! I'll arrive by dawn or shortly thereafter.
ountable and Non-Countable Nouns: Using How Much and How Many
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Basic Conversations for English Language Learners
Introduction
By
Kenneth Beare
Whether to use how much or how many depends on whether the following noun is countable or non-
countable. In English, how much is often combined with non-countable qualities known as abstractions.
These are common words such as time, water, and fun. Countable nouns are objects that you can count,
such as apples, telephones, or cars.
Talking About Money and Cost
Money is an example of a non-countable noun, so when talking about money and cost, you will need to use
the phrase "how much."
How much can also be used with the verb to be to ask about a price:
However, if the question concerns a specific unit of a currency such as dollars or pesos, both of which are
countable, you should use how many:
When asking for the quantity of any of these items, make sure to use how much:
READ MORE
By Kenneth Beare
However, there are a number of important exceptions to this rule including the following countable nouns
that have irregular plurals and do not take an s.
tooth -> teeth How many teeth has your child lost?
Measurements:
You can use a lot of with both countable and non-countable nouns which are followed by the noun in the
answer:
You can also use a lot of for both countable and noncount nouns when the answer is not followed by a
noun:
You can use some with both countable and non-countable nouns:
How much money do you have? - I have some money, but not much.
How many apples are on the table? - There are some apples on the table.
You should use a few with countable nouns and a little with non-countable nouns:
How much fun did you have? - I had a little fun last night.
How many glasses did you drink? - I drank a few glasses of wine.
Cite thi
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Basic Conversations for English Language Learners
Introduction
By
Kenneth Beare
Telephoning in English includes learning a number of special phrases, as well as focusing on listening skills.
Some of the most important phrases include how to answer the phone, how to ask for others, how to
connect, and how to take messages.
Introducing Yourself
Here are a few ways to informally introduce yourself on the telephone:
This is Ken.
Hello, Ken speaking
If you are answering for a business, just state the business name. In this case, it's common to ask how you
can help:
The first example response is in American English and the second is in British English. As you can see there
are differences in both forms. The telephone articles include both British and American English, as well as
phrases that are common to both forms.
In American English, we answer the phone stating "This is ..." In British English, it's common to answer the
phone by stating the telephone number. The phrase "This is ..." is used only on the telephone to substitute
the phrase "My name is ..." which is not used to answer the telephone.
READ MORE
By Kenneth Beare
Connecting Someone
If you answer the phone, you might need to connect the caller to someone at your business. Here are some
useful phrases:
1. I'll put you through (put through - phrasal verb meaning 'connect')
2. Can you hold the line? Can you hold on a moment?
Taking a Message
If someone isn't available, you might want to take a message to help the caller.
Continue practicing your skills by using the practical exercises below which include information on leaving
messages on the telephone, how to ask native speakers to slow down, role plays on the telephone and more.
Practice With a Role Play
Begin by learning important telephone English with the dialogue below. Here is a short telephone
conversation with some of the key phrases:
Operator: Hello, Frank and Brothers, How can I help you?
Peter: This is Peter Jackson. Can I have extension 3421?
Operator: Certainly, hold on a minute, I'll put you through...
Frank: Bob Peterson's office, Frank speaking.
Peter: This is Peter Jackson calling, is Bob in?
Frank: I'm afraid he's out at the moment. Can I take a message?
Peter: Yes, Could you ask him to call me at ... I need to talk to him about the Nuovo line, it's urgent.
Frank: Could you repeat the number please?
Peter: Yes, that's ..., and this is Peter Jackson.
Frank: Thank you Mr. Jackson, I'll make sure Bob gets this asap.
Peter: Thanks, bye.
Frank: Bye.
As you can see, the language is rather informal and there are some important differences from face-to-face
conversational English.
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Basic Conversations for English Language Learners
Introduction
Asking and Answering Questions
o
o
o
o
o
Greetings and Introductions
o
o
o
Numbers and Time
o
o
o
o
Telephone Conversations
o Important Phrases for Phone Calls
o Making Telephone Calls
Eating Out and Shopping
o
o
o
o
Traveling
o
o
o
o
Going to the Doctor
o
o
o
Dougal Waters / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Table of Contents
Telephone Tips
Key Vocabulary
Calling Someone at Work
Leaving a Message
Making a Doctor's Appointment
Making a Dinner Reservation
Telephoning the School About Your Child
Asking a Question about a Bill
By
Kenneth Beare
Speaking on the telephone can be a challenge to all students. There are many reasons for this:
Practice your telephone skills using the short English conversations provided below that focus on several
everyday situations. Print these telephone scenarios for use in class or share telephone conversations with
your friends online. For example, you could Skype your friend, navigate to a telephoning English practice
page, and rehearse together by each taking a role, exchanging roles, and practicing a few times.
Telephone Tips
Practice each dialogue with a friend or classmate a few times. Next, write your own telephone dialogues, go
into another room, and use your smartphone to call your partner. Practicing by using a real phone will make
future conversations with native speakers much easier. After you've practiced with a friend, try these tips:
1. Call local businesses: The best way to get better is by practicing calling various stores or
businesses. Before calling, jot down a few notes on the information you would like to find out. Use
your notes when you call the stores to help you feel more confident when you speak.
2. Call yourself: To practice leaving messages, call yourself and leave a message. Listen to the
message to see if you can understand the words clearly. Play the recording for a native-speaking
friend to see if she understands the message you have left.
3. Introduce yourself properly: When on the phone, use "This is..." rather than "I am..." when
introducing yourself in English.
Don't be shy about asking the speaker (politely) to repeat names and numbers to ensure that you get the
right information. Repeating names and numbers will help slow speakers down.
READ MORE
By Kenneth Beare
Key Vocabulary
Before practicing the following dialogues, familiarize yourself with the following terms, which are common
to many telephone conversations:
This is ...
May (Can, Could) I speak to...?
I'm calling ...
Hold the line a moment...
put someone through...
Who's calling...?
take a message
call, ring, phone
Leaving a Message
Fred: Hello. Could I speak to Jack Parkins, please?
Receptionist: Who's calling, please?
Fred: This is Fred Blinkingham. I'm a friend of Jack's.
Receptionist: Hold the line, please. I'll put your call through. (after a moment)—I'm afraid he's out
at the moment. Can I take a message?
Fred: Yes. Can you ask him to give me a call? My number is 909-345-8965
Receptionist: Could you repeat that, please?
Fred: Certainly. That's 909-345-8965
Receptionist: OK. I'll make sure Mr. Parkins gets your message.
Fred: Thank you. Goodbye.
Receptionist: Goodbye.
Knowing how to order food at a restaurant is an important task for any beginner-level English learner. Here
are two short dialogues to help you learn common questions and answers used at restaurants as well as key
vocabulary and phrases to practice and understand in advance.
Waitperson: Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal!
READ MORE
Master Restaurant Talk: ESL Guide
By Kenneth Beare
Customer: Goodbye.
Alice: It's good, but I think the pasta is better. What would you recommend?
Waitperson: Right. That's two lasagnas. Would you care for an appetizer?
Peter: Great. I'll have the fish. I'd also like a salad.
Waitperson: Thank you. I'll get the drinks and the appetizers.
1. Could I please see your __________ before you get on the airplane?
bag
cat
boarding pass
board ticket
2. Please put your keys in the __________ and walk through the __________.
bin... scanner
hole... scanner
holder... hall
bin... security
4. May I see your ___________? Are you a __________ or are you travelling on business?
suitcase... tourist
ticket... passenger
passport... airline worker
passport... tourist
Boarding pass = (noun) slip of paper like a ticket that allows you to board a plane.
By rail = (prepositional phrase) by train.
Camping trips = (noun) trip into nature during which you sleep in a tent.
Check in = (verb) to state to an airline that you have arrived and will board your flight.
Destination = (noun) the place to which you are traveling.
Dock = (noun) stretch of wood or metal that extends into the water allowing passengers to board a ship.
Excursion = (noun) a short afternoon, day or two day trip .
Ferry crossing = (noun) the place where a ferry crosses the water carrying passengers to the other side.
Journey = (noun) long travel, usually very far away from home.
Landmark = (noun) historical or natural site of special interest.
Last minute deal = (noun phrase) an offer to travel at a much lower price because you will leave within in the
next few days.
Main and minor roads = (noun phrase) streets that people often use as well as streets that are seldom used.
Package holiday = (noun phrase) a holiday or vacation which includes the flight, hotel, meals and so on.
Remote location = (noun phrase) a place very far away from cities.
Rent a car = (verb phrase) to pay to use a car for a short period of time.
Route = (noun) the streets, roads, etc. that you will use to travel somewhere.
Self-catering holiday = (noun phrase) a vacation during which you pay for your own meals (as opposed to
package holidays in which meals are included).
Set sail = (verb phrase) to leave on a boat to go somewhere.
Sightseeing = (noun) the activity of visiting famous tourist attractions.
Suitcase = (noun) a case in which you put your clothes and other articles.
Tourist office = (noun phrase) an office which helps tourists discover what attractions and other sightseeing
activities they should do.
Tube = (noun) the subway, or underground system in London.
Voyage = (noun) distant travel, usually by ship.
2. These types of ________ can be some of the most exciting due to the unexpected nature of the experience.
trips
experience
destinations
4. Once you've booked your vacation, pack your ________ and get ready for an adventure.
pocketbook
lunch
suitcase
5. Generally, the local ________ can provide information on fun day excursions in the area.
information
tourist board
school
6. If you are traveling in London, you would take the __________, but in New York this form of underground
transportation is called the __________.
Tube...taxi
bus...Underground
Tube...subway
7. If you are traveling across a body of water, you might take a ________.
rowboat
ferry
Jetski
8. If you're driving you will probably need to ________ a car. Make sure to ask about insurance!
buy
lend
rent
asic English Sentences to Say Hello / Start a Conversation / Make Small Talk
Hello, Sir! Have you seen a little boy in a black shirt and blue jeans pass this way? (mention the details you know of
whatever you are looking for, so that it is easier to identify the object/person you are looking for)
Good afternoon! Can you please help me find the National History Museum?
Hi! Hope I am not disturbing you. I was looking for the nearest tyre shop. Could you help me out?
Hey there! I am new here. Would you be kind enough to guide me to my workstation? My workstation is 5C 1356
I think I missed my cab. Could you please tell me how I could get to Indira Nagar from here?
Hi Ma’am. Good morning! Can you tell me if there is an ATM in the building?
Hey, what do you know about Ms. (Name of the person)?
I would like to know more about the course. Can you please provide me with all the details of the course including
the annual fee?
Hi! Is there a charging station nearby? My vehicle has run out of charge and I need to get home at the earliest.
Do you know how to file the IT returns? If you do, could you please guide me?
Offering Help
Not everyone would offer to help and sometimes, even if you would like to help out with something, you would not
do it since you are not sure how to approach them. Now, here are some simple sentences that you can use to
offer help.
Hey, I see you are struggling with that. Do you need some help?
Good morning, Sir. How can I help you today?
I can help you install the software. Shall I?
Good afternoon, Sir. Would you like me to serve the dish?
Hello Ma’am! We are here to help you understand how to use the machine. Can we start?
Hi! I am looking for this address. Can you please direct me?
Could you tell me how to get to the Collector’s Office from here?
Good afternoon, Sir. I have been looking for some school supplies. Is there a stationery shop anywhere near here?
Hello Ma’am. I am new to Coimbatore. Will you be able to help me with the main areas here so I could travel
comfortably?
Hey! Mr (Name of the person) had been living here. I guess they have shifted. Do you have any idea where they
have moved; and if you do, can you please help me with the directions to get there?
I greatly appreciate you spending time with me but I have to leave now. I promise I will catch up with you soon.
Have a great weekend. See you on Monday.
Thank you so much for helping me with this. I will get back to you in case I have any other doubts.
Good night, (Name of the person). Hope to see you soon.
It was great meeting you after such a long time. Let me know next time you are in town; we can get together and you
can also come home if time permits.
A simple sentence is one that has a subject and a predicate. It consists of just a clause or a phrase and a clause.
Q2
Example:
Now, try doing the same with the sentences given below.
2. I love you.
8. It was a surprise.
The answers to the above sentences are given below. Check them out.
8. What a surprise!
An exclamatory sentence is one that expresses sudden or strong emotions and feelings. It begins with a capital
letter and ends with an exclamation mark.
Q2
What are the points to keep in mind when forming exclamatory sentences?
The points you have to remember when forming exclamatory sentences are:
Q4
Leave letters have always been part of our life since our childhood, though the purposes have often changed. It is
a healthy gesture to keep your manager or lead informed about your leaves so that productivity is not lost and
work can be equally distributed. As far as the child is a young student, the parent or the guardian will have to
write a letter to keep their class teacher informed about their absence.
Sick leave: When a person or their child is sick and they want to take a break for one or a few more days.
Casual leave: Being an employee of an organisation, you might get a few casual leaves that can be availed of
anytime by the employee. You can take a casual leave, and write an official leave application for personal work to
your boss.
Maternity or paternity leave: When you have a newborn baby or you are pregnant and your delivery date is close,
you can take a maternity leave.The father can take paternity leave following his wife’s delivery..
Other than these, there are many leaves like one-day leave, half-day leave, etc. Other than employees, students
can take various leaves by writing leave applications to their class teachers or the principal.
Mahadevpura, Bangalore
Sujay Ladawa
Content Manager
Max Solutions
Mahadevpura, Bangalore
Dear Sujay,
I am Asmit Sahu, working as a Software Engineer with employee ID – RPE098. I would like to inform you that I
have been tested positive for Covid-19, and my symptoms are getting severe. I had to consult the doctor as my
oxygen levels were fluctuating. The doctor has advised that it is best to be admitted to the hospital for a few days
and so I request you to kindly grant me sick leave for 15 days (4th March, 2022 till 18th March, 2022). I shall be
grateful to you for the same.
I am attaching the covid test reports and the doctor’s certificate along with this letter for your reference.
Regards,
(Signature)
ASMIT SAHU
Software Engineer
Attachments:
For a better understanding of the format of different types of leave letters, you can refer to the samples provided
below:
Being a parent, you can write a leave letter to the Principal of the school stating your child’s sickness. Do provide
the medical report for the same for better clarification. Provide all the details like the sender’s address, receiver’s
address, proper salutation, and the body, in addition to mentioning the reasons behind the leave.
Q2
A leave letter is important for a child and also for an employee because it is a formal way of seeking permission
from your head to take leave. It will keep the teacher/manager/peers informed about your absence and also
facilitate the flow of work and the completion of urgent tasks, if any.
Bangalore – 560025
Respected Ma’am,
I am Susan Caro, student of Class X C. I have won first place in the Elocution competition and have been
selected for the next level of competitions that will be held in New Delhi. The National Level Competition will be
held from the 3rd to the 7th of October. I will have to report to the venue at 9 am on October 3rd.
I request you to kindly grant me leave for a week (2.10.2020 – 8.10.2020). I will make sure to take note of all the
lessons and complete the work that will be given during my absence.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully,
Susan Caro
Mysore – 570045
May 6, 2021
Respected Sir,
My son Keshav has been admitted at KIMS Hospital due to severe food poisoning and fever. The doctor has
advised him to take complete rest at least for a week. He has become completely weak and anaemic.
I request you to kindly understand our situation and grant him leave for a week from May 7th to May 12th. I am
attaching the medical certificate for your reference. I will make sure that he completes all the assigned tasks once
he gets back to school.
Thank you
Yours sincerely,
Sheela Raj
Coimbatore – 641056
02.08.2021
Respected Sir,
I am Adharsh, a student of Class VII B. As my brother is getting married on the 5th of August (Thursday), I will
have to leave along with my family tomorrow (3rd August) to Kerala. I will be returning to Coimbatore on the 9th of
August (Monday). I would be highly obliged if you could kindly grant me leave for a week (03.08.2021 –
09.08.2021). I will make sure to find out the lessons completed during the week and submit all of them in a
week’s time.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully,
Adharsh
Class VII B
Roll No. 12
Nehru Vidhyalaya
Malda – 732101
West Bengal
05/12/2021
Respected Sir,
I am Dennis, father of Renita (student of Class VIII C). This is to inform you that my daughter met with an
accident on her way to school today morning, and she is admitted at Hem Hospital. She has been injured badly,
and the doctors are doubting possible fractures as well.
I request you to kindly excuse her absence from school until she recovers completely. I will take the help of her
teachers and friends to keep track of the daily lessons and tasks. I will also provide the medical certificates when
she gets back to school.
Yours faithfully,
Dennis A
What are the details to be included when I write a leave letter for school?
When writing a leave letter for school, make sure you clearly state the reason for absence and the dates on which
you would want to take leave. You can also mention the date on which you would be returning to school and
assure to finish all the work that has been assigned during your term of absence.
Q2
A leave application is a formal request for permission to take leave from regular classes or work. It has to be
short, to the point, genuine and should state the time period and reasons for absence.
Q3
Receiver’s address
Subject (Purpose of the letter)
Salutation
Body of the letter (including the reason for leave, number of days with particular dates, date of return)
Complimentary closing
Signature
Sender’s address
___________
___________
___________
DD/MM/YY
Receiver’s address
___________
___________
___________
Subject: ___________________________
Sir/Ma’am, (Salutation)
Body of the Letter explaining the reason for your letter and the complaint.
Thanking you
Signature
Complaint Letter Sample 1 – Poor Maintenance of the Garden and Improper Waste
Disposal
45 B, Rory Lane
Damsel Street
Mumbai – 400056
The Secretary
Residential Association
Mumbai – 400056
Subject: Complaint letter regarding the poor maintenance of the garden and improper waste disposal
Sir,
I am Shawn Mendez, a resident of Rory Lane. I am writing to bring to your notice the poor maintenance of the
garden around our residential area and the improper disposal of waste. The garden around the residential area
was watered regularly, and grass shrubs were trimmed and maintained neatly in the beginning. It has been more
than a month now since any kind of maintenance is done in the garden. We have tried contacting the person in
charge, but every effort has just been in vain.
Another growing issue is the problem of waste disposal. There were people from the corporation collecting
garbage for disposal every two days, but it has been more than a week now since they have collected any
garbage from our area. This has led to the accumulation of waste, and people have started dumping it in the
corner of the street as they have no other choice. Kindly look into this and the maintenance of the garden as it
would become a huge mess if this continues. It would be highly appreciated if you could also inform the residents
that all garbage would be collected and not to throw them out around the street corners.
Yours faithfully,
Signature
SHAWN MENDEZ
VKL Colony
Hyderabad – 500025
The Manager
Taurus Shop
Sir/Ma’am,
I had purchased a black top from your online store. I received the product today, and I tried filing a return request
as the size is smaller than the one I had ordered, and the cloth is torn on the left side. For some reason, the
return request is not being filed. The page is either getting redirected or stuck. I have tried multiple times, and I
could not go through with it. Can you please check and let me know if the return request has been filed for the
order no. 3049. If not, kindly let me know what I should do to return the product.
I am attaching herewith photographs of the damaged portion of the top and the opening video for your reference.
Thank you
Yours sincerely,
Signature
SINDHU SHANKAR
Nungambakkam
Chennai – 600045
13/12/2021
The Councillor
Ward No. 26
Chennai – 600052
Sir,
I am writing to bring to your kind attention that there are no street lights in our area and it has become a huge
problem as it has started raining. It is very difficult for people who travel through this area because it is very dark
at night, and with continuous rains, the place floods up. It becomes really difficult to drive as the roads are
damaged, and there have been constant accidents because of this. Therefore, I request you to kindly take some
action at the earliest and install street lights in our area as it is a danger if left like this.
Yours faithfully,
Signature
DERRICK RAJ
Also check out: Job application letter │ Leave application for personal work │ Salary increment letter │ Relieving letter
request │ Consent letter │ Enquiry letter
A complaint letter is written with the aim and hope of finding a suitable solution for a problem that has not been
addressed. There is an umpteen number of problems faced by people, and raising complaints to bring these
problems to the attention of the higher authorities is the only way to rectify the problems.
Q2
When you write a complaint letter, make sure you state the problem in a clear and concise manner. Do not
exaggerate. Explain the difficulties faced due to the problem and see to that you address the problem on a kind
note. Do not express anger or sarcasm in your letter.
Q3
The most important factor in a complaint letter is the problem. Ensure that you explain the problem properly and
state the seriousness of the problem. Be sure to include any documents or copies of documents that might serve
as proof.
Q.1. How many cups of tea_____ yesterday?
Q.2. She shall _____ your ice-cream parlour soon because she ____ ice-cream.
1. Be visiting, like
2. Visit, likes
3. Have been visiting, is liking
4. Visiting, like
Q.3. Shakespeare ____ dramas that are appealing to the people of all ages.
1. Wrote
2. Had written
3. Had been writing
4. Has written
Q.4. The barber ___ his finger while he ____ off my hair.
Check out relevant links given below for assistance in the preparation of Verbal ability of competitive exams:
Q.5. Prasoon ___ for Bangalore early and he must ___ by this time.
Q.6. No, Rama is not at home, He ___ just ____ for shopping
1. had, gone
2. has, gone
3. was , going
4. will have, be going
Q.7. It is clearly ____ ‘passengers ____ to smoke in the train’, still, they ___ ignorant.
Q.8. They ____ a football match in the evening. What ___ you do?
1. Were playing, do
2. Played, did
3. Have played, —
4. Are playing, will
Q.9. Sheren ____ what you meant. Please explain it to her again.
1. Don’t understand
2. Didn’t understand
3. Doesn’t understand
4. Hadn’t understand
Candidates can check out the following links for practice and revision:
Q.10. By the end of this September, she ____in this organisation for thirteen years.
1. Will work
2. Had been working
3. Will have been working
4. Will be working
Q.11. Nancy and Princy ____ to our house to play the treasure hunt with us.
Q.14. Mother ___ me to watch time and return soon, I replied, Please don’t worry, if ____ late tonight.
1. Is asking, I will be
2. Asked, I am
3. Had been asking, be
4. Had asked, I will be
Q.15. If she ___ late just one more time the manager ____ suspend her.
1. Is arriving, is going to
2. Will be arriving, would
3. Arrives, will
4. Is going to arrive, would have
Q.16. They ___ out for an evening walk after they ____ dinner.
Q.17. The warden ___ into the room to see what the students ____.
Q.18. When our train ____ at the station, we found the bridegroom’s family ____ for us.
Candidates willing to appear for various government exams should check the following links:
Q.19. Rohan, I ___ seen you for a long time, How ___?
Source – SpeechGram
3-Minute Speech Topics
1. Speech about dreams
2. Speech about life
3. Speech on time
4. Speech on discipline
5. Speech on happiness
6. Speech on kindness
7. Speech on value of time
8. Speech on health and fitness
9. Speech on Doctor
10. Speech on Nurse
11. Graduation Day Speech
12. World Health Day Speech
13. Sex Education Speech
Exploring English Speech Topics? You must also take a look at Extempore Topics!
Check out this list of all the important national and international days in 2024!
English Speech Topics on Greatest Leaders in India & Around the World
1. Mahatma Gandhi
2. Jawaharlal Nehru
3. Raja Rammohan Roy
4. George Washington
5. Albert Einstein
6. CV Raman
7. Ratan Tata
8. APJ Abdul Kalam
9. Nelson Mandela
10. Kailash Satyarthi
Explore these proverbs & their meanings through this blog on Difficult Phrases!
To know what to mention in such speech topics, explore the Great Personalities in the World!
1. I went on a family vacation on the best day of my life to the nearby amusement park.
2. My mother bought a video game console for me on my 15th birthday.
3. The best day of my life was when I scored the highest marks in my 9th Class.
4. I won the State-level art competition, the best day of my life.
5. Me and my sister gave gifts to our parents during their 20th marriage anniversary, which was the best
day of my life.
6. My best day was on 25th Dec 2015 when my father bought new running shoes for me.
7. My teacher gave me a compliment in front of the entire class, making it one of the best days of my life.
8. The best day of my life was when I got my first paycheck.
9. I got a promotion at work, making it the best day of my life.
10. The best days are when me and my family eat dinner together.
Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English.
Source – English Speeches
‘It all started with an idea to become the fastest sprinter in my district when I was just 13 years
old. I ran to my high school sports teacher and told him I wanted to become a sprinter and
would work very hard to achieve my goals. He said, ‘Son, you have that energy and positive
mindset, which will be your greatest strength to achieve your goals.’
‘After 5 years of rigorous training and winning multiple competitions, my dream finally came
true. It’s been 5 years since I started running, and I’ve won multiple competitions. The best day
of my life was when I finally achieved my goal of becoming the #1 Sprinter in the entire
district. I won a gold medal in the senior boys category and the District Magistrate
congratulated me on my success.’
This was the best day of my life, where all my hard work finally paid off and I was looking at
the bright sky with a feeling of accomplishment and confidence.’
Football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo was asked what was the best day of his life. The GOAT
replied, ‘It was the day when my son was born.’
The best day was when the school principal honored me with the Student of The Year Award
for my academic, sports, and overall discipline excellence. My parents had tears in their eyes,
their chests pumped up with the feeling of pride and confidence.
I even gave a speech where I talked about the important role my parents played in my life.
One can say I made them feel proud, but it was a very big moment for me and my family. I got
the opportunity to make my family proud and show my parents that they have raised a son
who is capable of overcoming any and every challenge.
My mother cooks 4 times of meals for the entire family. My father takes care of all the
finances; from my academic expenses to everyone’s day-to-day requirements. I don’t consider
myself worthy of their love and support if I cannot make them proud. But, I managed to make
them feel proud, for they backed me every time I hit the ground.
I still remember my mother asking me how my school and training were. She even asked me if
I was doing enough or do I needed anything else for my training. I consider my family as my
greatest strength. We all must make our parents proud not just by working hard but by doing
our best every day.
Q: Best day of your life?
‘The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.’ – Richard Bach
‘Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.’ – Alice Morse Earle
‘Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.’ – Robert
Brault
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
– Maya Angelou
‘Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.’ –
Jim Rohn
‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ – Abraham Lincoln
FAQs
How to describe the best day of my life in a speech?
You need to highlight the key elements and emotions of what made it the best day of your life. You can start by
telling how the morning was or how you were feeling, and then talk about specific events or moments that made
the day extraordinary. It can be any major or minor event that made you emotionally and personally attracted to it.
Where you are describing this day, make sure everything you have in store is authentic and genuine.
To make your speech perfect, you must connect with your audience. A sense of belonging develops when people
are able to relate their stories. Even simple moments like family time or picnics, vacations, temple visits, etc. can
be counted as memorable days, where you are present as yourself.
Talk about how you were feeling on that particular day and about your plan. Try to keep simple language where
there is room for more information and is entertaining when you talk about it. You are out of time so do not go into
details. Just give 7 to 10 seconds of intro and focus on the body of your speech.
On the eve of 15th August 1947, India gained independence from the British Empire. It took almost 200 years for India to
gain its independence from the British Raj. Indian freedom struggle was a long battle for independence, where wars were
fought, peaceful demonstrations were led, etc. From Dadabhai Naoroji to Mahatma Gandhi, hundreds of freedom fighters
fought for India’s Independence from the cruel British Rule. The 75th Year of Indian Independence was marked as ‘Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. With this, PM Modi plans to make India a ‘Global
Superpower’ in the next 25 years; til the 100th Independence Day. Today, we will provide you with a speech on Indian
Independence. State tuned!
Source – The Guardian
1. Indian Independence is a day of pride, integrity, and national unity for the whole nation.
2. India gained independence with peaceful and non-violent methods.
3. Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, and Subhash Chandra Bose were some of the top freedom fighters.
4. The Indian Independence Day 2023 was marked as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.’
5. At the time of independence, India was divided into a national union and various princely states.
6. Indian Independence came with the partition of the country into three Unions: India, West Pakistan, and East
Pakistan.
7. India gained Independence in 1947 and became a Republic in 1950 when the Constitution came into force.
8. The Indian National Congress was the major political party that advocated the ideas of self-rule (Swaraj) and
independence (Azadi).
9. Some of the popular movements during the freedom movement were the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM), Civil
Disobedience, and Quit India.
10. Participation of Women and backward castes in large numbers was one of the features of the Indian national
movements.
India and its people were entangled in the Indian freedom struggle for a long time and the major turning point came in 1915,
with the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. He took a year-long tour in India and understood the ground reality.
In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi launched his first freedom struggle movement, the Champaran Movement, where Indigo farmers
were struggling with the unlawful British rules. Then came the Ahemadad Mill Strike and Kheda Movement in the
Saurashtra region, now known as Gujarat State.
Mahatma Gandhi observed that in the freedom movements, a large section of the Indian society was missing; women and
backward castes. He encouraged people to come together and fight as Indians against the British power. His ideas of
Satyagraha, Non-violence and Swadeshi earned him fame all over the world. His movements like the Non-Cooperation
Movement, Dandi March and Quit India were recorded by international media.
There were some revolutionary leaders like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, who wanted to end British rule with the use
of force. In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb at the Central Legislative Assembly, after which they
were willingly court-arrested.
Today, we are celebrating the 77th Independence Year because of the hardship and struggle our freedom fighters went
through. We can easily travel to any part of the country, question the government, have freedom of speech and expression,
form unions and associations and have free will to practice any profession. It is all because of the Independence our freedom
fighters gained for the country. We must respect our country and the people who gave their lives for the sake of freedom.
Our constitution has given us some rights but there are some duties also which we must serve towards our nation.
1 minute speech topics
How succinct can you be? Can you get the point quickly and effectively?
Our lives present many occasions calling for someone, perhaps us, to say 'a
few words'. Whether in our work place, family, social or community setting, the
ability to do that confidently and competently is highly valued.
You'll find 150 impromptu 1-minute speech topics, split into 3 groups:
1. 50 one minute speech topics for children from middle school age and up
2. 50 business/work/career themed 1 minute speech topics more suitable
for adults
3. 50 fun/nonsensical/absurd just a minute speech topics for adults
I've included them because a 1-minute speech is just like any other. To be
effective it needs structure.
The danger of opting to go 'free form' is that you're quite likely to serve up a
meandering splurge of information leaving the people listening to it wondering
what the exact point was you wanted to make.
SUBSCRIBE
I've used it in my three sample outlines and speeches. The pattern, PREP,
repeats three times in each of them.
You'll find text and audio of each 1-minute speech below each topic group.
And very lastly, after information about the fabulous impromptu One Minute
Speech game, there's a blank printable Point-Reason-Example-Point (PREP)
one minute speech outline template to download for your own use. ☺
Updated on
8 minute read
An ancient discipline, Yoga is a concept that comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘union’. It combines bodily processes
with breathing techniques, meditation, and mental exercises in order to bring a sense of calm and composure in life. Though
it originated in the Indian subcontinent, Yoga now has spread its wings across continents. So much so, that different
academic programs like Diploma in Yoga, Naturopathy courses, etc. are now being offered by academic institutions in
order to impart a comprehensive understanding of the domain. The importance of Yoga in our life is far-ranging and it helps
every age group and people. However, its importance can be felt most realistically in a student’s life. This blog aims to
explore the various advantages of practicing Yoga for a student!
History of Yoga
Yoga was first developed in the Indus-Saraswati civilization and was included in the oldest Veda, the Rig Veda. Following
this, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra was the first methodical treatise on Yoga that organized it and its principles. Modern times saw
its advent in Western civilization with the starting of colonization. As the word spread, Yoga started receiving greater
attention throughout the globe and several prominent personalities arose in this field who promoted Yoga for its inherent
potential. Some asanas like Vrikshasana, Apanasana, Sirsasana, Sarvangasana, Tadasana, etc have now come to form a part
of our lives. The importance of Yoga in our life thus lies in using the Asanas with breathing techniques.
Courtesy: Vedicgo
Importance of Yoga
Hatha Yoga and its numerous branches (Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga) might
help you attain perfect unity, depending on what you prefer and the problems you want to solve via the practice. Some of the
vital importance of yoga in our life are mentioned below: